Washington University Will Go Entirely Smoke Free Next Year

All of Washington University's St. Louis campuses will become entirely smoke- and tobacco-free by July of 2010.

Current policy prohibits smoking inside any university building. The new ban will prohibit smoking anywhere on university property -- including outdoor areas.

"We know it will be difficult for some in the university community, but
we believe that this is the right and best policy for the health of all
who live, work and study at Washington University," said Chancellor Mark Wrighton in a statement issued yesterday.

The university says it will offer free smoking-cessation programs to students, faculty and staff looking to quit the habit.